Motorcycle Safety Tips

Get a License
Make sure that you are properly licensed to ride a motorcycle. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, “more than 1/4 of all motorcyclists involved in a fatal crash in 2001 were operating the vehicle with an invalid license at the time of the collision.” For more information about obtaining your motorcycle classification on your driver's license, visit the Cyber Drive Illinois website.Maintain Your MotorcycleA breakdown with a motorcycle can be more than just inconvenient; it can be dangerous.

Check Your Mental Stamina
Do not get on a motorcycle when you are angry, tired, or distracted in any way. Motorcycling is not only physically challenging but also mentally challenging and requires all of your attention to ride safely.

Get Familiar With Your MotorcycleTake some time to get familiar with it in a vacant parking lot or on low-traffic roads. Every motorcycle handles differently and you need to be familiar with the way your motorcycle is going to respond in an emergency situation.

Motorcycles today are capable of things that often exceed a rider's skill level. Know what you are capable of and do not exceed those limitations. When you do exceed them, you not only put yourself at risk, but others as well.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Do not ride while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). The NHTSA estimates that in 2002, 41 percent of all fatal crashes involved alcohol. For more information on alcohol-impairment research and related topics, view Ride Straight.

Take a Safety Course
Improve your skills and awareness by taking a motorcycle safety course. Whether you have never been on a motorcycle before or you have been riding for years, a motorcycle safety course will provide valuable information and skills to make you a better rider. For information on free safety classes in Illinois, go to: